(CMR) Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will not return as working members of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last January that they would be stepping away from Royal duties.
That split from the Royal Family has now been formalized after discussions with Queen Elizabeth.
The Queen confirmed on Friday that by stepping away, it was not possible for the couple ” to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.
This means Prince Harry and Meghan will return their honorary military appointments and royal patronages, which will be redistributed to working members of the Royal Family.
The appointments that Harry will hand back to the Queen are Captain-General, the Royal Marines; Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington; Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving; President, The Queen's Commonwealth Trust; Patron, the Rugby Football Union; and Patron, the Rugby Football League.
Meghan will give up the roles of Vice-President, The Queen's Commonwealth Trust; Patron, the Royal National Theatre; and Patron, the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family,” the statement continued.
Harry and Meghan said they remain committed to service despite their separation from their royal duties.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal,” the couple said in a statement.
Harry and Meghan are expected to discuss their split from the Royal Family in an interview with Oprah Winfrey next month.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid